Inflatable toy articles

ABSTRACT

An inflatable toy apparatus has an elongated body that is provided with one or more of a number of other elements and features, including tails, nose pieces, grip pieces, winglets, removable bands, weights, additional inflatable pieces, and fabric covers, among others. Each of these features provides an enhancement in the play variety or amusement of the apparatus, or function to improve the aerodynamic properties of the apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to toy apparatus, and in particular, to inflatable toy apparatus that can be thrown as projectiles.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Inflatable toy apparatus have become very popular in recent times because of the ability to deflate the toy apparatus to reduce the size of the apparatus for storage. Many of these toy apparatus have been provided in the form of toy projectiles. In this regard, the fact that inflatable toy apparatus are typically made from a soft inflatable material have contributed to the desirability of providing toy projectiles in the form of an inflatable toy projectile. The softer nature of the inflatable material minimizes potential harm or danger to other people and objects when these projectiles are tossed through the air.

[0005] Although there are a number of inflatable projectile toys in the marketplace, some of these inflatable projectile toys do not fly effectively through the air. For example, some of these inflatable projectile toys do not fly very far, or flutter during flight, all of which can be attributed to poor aerodynamics. In addition, there is always a need for projectile toys that offer greater enhancements and play variety.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide inflatable toy apparatus that offer greater enhancements and play variety.

[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide an inflatable projectile toy that has improved aerodynamic properties.

[0008] The objectives of the present invention are accomplished by providing inflatable toy apparatus that can be thrown as a projectile. The inflatable toy apparatus have an elongated body that is provided with one or more of a number of other elements and features, including tails, nose pieces, grip pieces, winglets, removable bands, weights, additional inflatable pieces, and fabric covers, among others. Each of these features provides an enhancement in the play variety or amusement of the apparatus, or function to improve the aerodynamic properties of the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inflatable toy apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along lines 2-2 thereof.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an inflatable toy apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the apparatus of FIG. 3 taken along lines 4-4 thereof.

[0013]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an inflatable toy apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an inflatable toy apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the apparatus of FIG. 6 taken along lines 7-7 thereof.

[0016]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an inflatable toy apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the apparatus of FIG. 8 taken along lines 9-9 thereof.

[0018] FIGS. 10-15 are perspective views of inflatable toy apparatus according to different embodiments of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the apparatus of FIG. 15 taken along lines 16-16 thereof.

[0020]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an inflatable toy apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the apparatus of FIG. 17 taken along lines 18-18 thereof.

[0022]FIGS. 19 and 20 are perspective views of inflatable toy apparatus according to different embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. In certain instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices and mechanisms are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.

[0024] The present invention provides inflatable toy apparatus that can be thrown as projectiles. Each inflatable toy apparatus can have an elongated body that is provided with one or more of a number of other elements and features, including tails, nose pieces, grip pieces, winglets, removable bands, weights, additional inflatable pieces, and fabric covers, among others. Each of these features provides an enhancement in the play variety or amusement of the apparatus, or function to improve the aerodynamic properties of the apparatus.

[0025] Although several embodiments of inflatable projectile toys are being described in the present invention, the present invention is not limited merely to inflatable projectile toys. The principles of the present invention can be applied to other inflatable toy apparatus that can be used for other amusement purposes and applications.

[0026]FIG. 1 illustrates an inflatable toy apparatus 20 according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 20 can be a projectile, and has a generally elongated tubular body 22 that can be made from a soft and flexible or elastic material, such as an elastomeric, plastic, rubber or PVC material, among others. The tubular body 22 has a nozzle 24 through which air or liquid can be introduced to inflate the tubular body 22 to its inflated (i.e., expanded) state as shown in FIG. 1. A plurality of tails 26 are provided in spaced-apart manner radially around the rear end 28 of the tubular body 22. In FIG. 1, three tails 26 are provided. Each tail 26 can be made of the same material as the material of the tubular body 22, or from a different material that is slightly harder in nature (e.g., foam or molded plastic) than the material of the tubular body 22. As yet a further alternative, each tail 26 can be made from the same or different materials. In fact, the tails 26 can even be formed in one piece with the tubular body 22, as shown in FIG. 2. A protective nose piece 30 can be secured (e.g., by glue, heat sealing, or welding) to the front end 32 of the tubular body 22. The nose piece 30 can be made from a different material that is slightly harder in nature (e.g., foam or molded plastic) than the material of the tubular body 22.

[0027] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the fact that the nose piece 30 is provided in a material that is slightly harder in nature than the material of the tubular body 22 allows the nose piece 30 to provide both weight and protection to the apparatus 20. First, the nose piece 30 can be provided with a weight that is greater than the weight of the tubular body, the apparatus 20 can enjoy better aerodynamic flight properties. In addition, the nose piece 30 protects the tubular body 22 in that the nose piece 30 can absorb the impact of any contact with another object or the ground when the apparatus 20 is tossed in the air like a projectile. Otherwise, the soft and somewhat elastic or flexible nature of the tubular body 22 means that the tubular body 22 may be punctured or damaged if its front end 32 repeatedly hits or contacts the ground or another object at the end of its flights through the air. In addition, the tails 26 enhance the aerodynamic properties of the apparatus 20 when the apparatus 20 is tossed through the air like a projectile. Thus, the apparatus 20 in FIGS. 1 and 2 provides two distinct benefits in improved aerodynamics and protection.

[0028]FIG. 3 illustrates an inflatable toy apparatus 20 a according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 20 a can be a projectile, and also has a generally elongated and inflatable tubular body 22 a that can be made from the same materials as the tubular body 22. A plurality of tails 26 a are provided in spaced-apart manner radially around the rear end 28 a of the tubular body 22 a. In FIG. 3, three tails 26 a are provided, and can be made from the same materials as the tails 26. The difference between the tails 26 and 26 a is that the tails 26 a in FIGS. 3-4 are curved (as best shown in FIG. 4) as opposed to being straight or generally planar (as best shown in FIG. 2 for tails 26), so as to better enhance the aerodynamic properties of the apparatus 20 a.

[0029] Another difference between the apparatus 20 and 20 a is that the apparatus 20 a has a plurality of spaced-apart tails 34 a provided adjacent the front end 32 a of the tubular body 22 a. These tails 34 a can be either planar or curved, and function to further enhance the aerodynamic properties of the apparatus 20 a. In addition, even though FIG. 3 does not illustrate the provision of a nose piece, it is also possible to provide the apparatus 20 a with a nose piece similar to nose piece 30 described above. Thus, the apparatus 20 a in FIGS. 3 and 4 provides further enhancements in aerodynamics properties.

[0030]FIG. 5 illustrates an inflatable toy apparatus 20 b according to another nonlimiting embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 20 b is essentially the same as apparatus 20 in FIG. 1, except that the nose piece 30 b has a more conical shape, and tail pieces 36 b are provided to cover the edges of the tails 26 b. The tail pieces 36 b can be made from the same material as the nose pieces 30, 30 b, and function to provide protection to the tails 26 b, as well as providing additional weight to the apparatus 20 b, which can be helpful in certain applications.

[0031]FIG. 6 illustrates an inflatable toy apparatus 20 c according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 20 c is essentially the same as apparatus 20 in FIG. 1, with the elongated body 22 c and the nose piece 30 c being the same as the elongated body 22 and the nose piece 30 of FIG. 1. However, the tails 26 that are spaced apart around the elongated body 22 and provided directly on the outer surface of the elongated body 22 are now substituted by a separate and removable tail assembly 38 c that has a hollow cylindrical tube 40 c, with a plurality (e.g., four) of tails 26 c provided in spaced-apart manner about the tube 40 c. The tube 40 c and the tails 26 c can be made from the same material as the nose pieces 30, 30 c, and in one non-limiting embodiment, is made of a plastic material. The tube 40 c can be slid over the outer surface of the rear end 28 c of the elongated body 22 c and secured thereto by friction fit. As shown in FIG. 7, the tube 40 c can have a generally 0-shaped configuration so as to force the rear end 28 c of the elongated body 22 c to conform to a similar shape. The tail assembly 38 c provides the user with the option of substituting different tail assemblies, thereby increasing the play variety of the apparatus 20 c. The tube 40 c of the tail assembly 38 c can also function to protect the rear end 28 c of the elongated body 22 c, and to provide additional weight to the apparatus 20 c. This additional weight can be helpful in certain circumstances to enable the apparatus 20 c to fly greater distances.

[0032]FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an inflatable toy apparatus 20 d according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 20 d is essentially the same as apparatus 20 in FIG. 1, with the elongated body 22 d and the nose piece 30 d being the same as the elongated body 22 and the nose piece 30 of FIG. 1. However, the tails 26 that are spaced apart around the elongated body 22 and provided directly on the outer surface of the elongated body 22 are now substituted by inflatable tails 26 d that are provided in one piece, and with the same material, as the elongated body 22 d. As best shown in FIG. 9, the tails 26 d share the same hollow interior as the elongated body 22 d, and can be inflated and deflated together with the inflation and deflation of the elongated body 22 d. The tubular body 22 d also has a nozzle 24 d through which air or liquid can be introduced to inflate the tubular body 22 d and the tails 26 d to their inflated (i.e., expanded) state as shown in FIG. 8.

[0033]FIG. 10 illustrates an inflatable toy apparatus 20 e according to yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 20 e is essentially the same as apparatus 20 in FIG. 1, with the elongated body 22 e and the tails 26 e being the same as the elongated body 22 and the tails 26 of FIG. 1. However, the nose piece 30 e in FIG. 10 is now comprised of a plurality of separate nose pieces 42 e that are either permanently attached (e.g., by glue, heat seal, and similar known techniques) or removably attached (e.g., by VELCRO™, hooks and similar mechanisms) to the front end 32 e of the elongated body 22 e. Each of these separate nose pieces 42 e can have the same, or a different, shape and size.

[0034]FIG. 11 illustrates an inflatable toy apparatus 20 f according to yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 20 f is essentially the same as apparatus 20 in FIG. 1, with the elongated body 22 f and the tails 26 f being the same as the elongated body 22 and the tails 26 of FIG. 1. However, the nose piece 30 f is provided with a plurality of winglets 44 f that are spaced apart about the nose piece 30 f, and a grip piece 46 f is attached (e.g., by glue, heat sealing or welding) to the underside of a central portion of the elongated body 22 f. First, the winglets 44 f can be made of the same material as (and in one piece with) the nose piece 30 f, and function to further improve the aerodynamic properties of the apparatus 20 f. Second, the grip piece 46 f can function to provide the user with a convenient surface for gripping by the user's fingers when the user is ready to toss the apparatus 20 f as a projectile. Yet another difference between the apparatus 20 f and the apparatus 20 is that the elongated body 20 f can have a normally curved configuration, as shown in FIG. 11, or can be provided in a material (e.g., certain plastics) that will allow the elongated body 20 f to bend during flight (as shown in FIG. 11). In addition, the nozzle 24 f can be provided at the rear end 28 f of the elongated body 22 f.

[0035]FIG. 12 illustrates an inflatable toy apparatus 20 g according to yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 20 g is essentially the same as apparatus 20 f in FIG. 11, with the elongated body 22 g, the nose piece 30 g and the tails 26 g being the same as the elongated body 22 f, the nose piece 30 f and the tails 26 f of FIG. 11. For example, a plurality of winglets 44 g are also spaced apart about the nose piece 30 g. In the apparatus 20 g of FIG. 12, an annular grip piece 46 g extends around the circumference of the elongated body 22 g, and therefore provides additional surface area for gripping by the user when the user is ready to toss the apparatus 20 g as a projectile. The grip piece 46 g can be made from any of the materials utilized by the nose piece 30.

[0036] The inflatable toy apparatus 20 h in FIG. 13 borrows from the principles illustrated in FIGS. 1, 6 and 12. The apparatus 20 h has an elongated body 22 h and a nose piece 30 h that are the same as the elongated body 22 and the the nose piece 30 of FIG. 1. The tail assembly 38 h in FIG. 13 can be the same as the tail assembly 38 c in FIGS. 6 and 7, having a plurality of spaced apart tails 26 h. The annular grip piece 46 h can be the same as the annular grip piece 46 g in FIG. 12, except that the grip piece 46 h is provided with a plurality of winglets 48 h that are spaced apart about the grip piece 46 h. The winglets 48 h can be made of the same material as (and in one piece with) the grip piece 46 h, and function to further improve the aerodynamic properties of the apparatus 20 h.

[0037]FIG. 14 illustrates an inflatable toy apparatus 20 i according to yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 20 i is essentially the same as apparatus 20 d in FIG. 8, with the elongated body 22 i, the nose piece 30 i and the tails 26 i being the same as the elongated body 22 d, the nose piece 30 d and the tails 26 d of FIG. 8. However, in the apparatus 20 i of FIG. 14, a plurality of different grip pieces 50 i can be attached (e.g., by glue, heat sealing or welding) to any location along the elongated body 22 i. These grip pieces 50 i can be made from the same material as the grip pieces and nose pieces described hereinabove, and can also function (other than for gripping) as decorative pieces to decorate or improve the appearance of the apparatus 20 i.

[0038]FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate an inflatable toy apparatus 20 j according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 20 j is essentially the same as apparatus 20 in FIG. 1, with the elongated body 22 j, the nose piece 30 j and the tails 26 j being the same as the elongated body 22, the nose piece 30 and the tails 26 of FIG. 1. However, the apparatus 20 j further includes an inflatable ring 52 j. The inflatable ring 52 j has an inflatable ring portion 54 j with a hollow interior that communicates with the hollow interior of the elongated body 22 j via a plurality of hollow spokes 56 j. The spokes 56 j and the ring portion 54 j can be provided in one piece, and with the same material, as the elongated body 22 j. As best shown in FIG. 16, the spokes 56 j and the ring portion 54 j share the same hollow interior as the elongated body 22 j, and can be inflated and deflated together with the inflation and deflation of the elongated body 22 j. The ring 52 j functions to distribute the weight of the apparatus 20 j more evenly.

[0039]FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate an inflatable toy apparatus 20 k according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 20 k differs from the other apparatus 20-20 j in that the elongated body 22 k defines an inner lumen or throughbore 60 k that extends through the length of the elongated body 22 k. The elongated body 22 k has a cylindrical outer wall 62 k and a cylindrical inner luminal wall 64 k that together define an interior space 66 k therebetween. Air or a liquid can be introduced via the nozzle 24 k into the interior space 66 k to inflate or expand the elongated body 22 k. The throughbore 60 k is defined by the inner luminal wall 64 k. The tails 26 k can be the same as the tails 26 in FIG. 1. Instead of the nose piece 30, a circumferential weight piece or band 68 k can be slid over the outer surface of the outer wall 62 k at the front end 32 k of the elongated body 22 k to perform the same protective and weighting functions as the nose piece 30. The weight piece 68 k can be provided in the form of a solid piece of material, such as plastic, or can itself be an inflatable band that has a hollow interior. Thus, the apparatus 20 k can also be used as a toy projectile. The throughbore 60 k functions to further enhance the aerodynamic properties of the apparatus 20 k.

[0040]FIG. 19 illustrates an inflatable toy apparatus 20 m according to yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 20 m is essentially the same as apparatus 20 in FIG. 1, with the elongated body 22 m, the nose piece 30 m and the tails 26 m being the same as the elongated body 22, the nose piece 30 and the tails 26 of FIG. 1. However, a fabric cover 70 m can be provided to cover selected portions of the elongated body 22 m. The fabric cover 70 m can be attached to the outer surface of the elongated body 22 m by stitching, glue and other similar techniques. In addition, one or more attachment devices 72 m can be provided on the outer surface of the elongated body 22 m. These attachment devices 72 m can take the form of a hook piece, a latch piece, a VELCRO™ pad, or any other device that allows other objects to be removably attached or coupled to the elongated body 22 m. Thus, the attachment devices 72 m enhance the play variety and amusement of the apparatus 20 m by allowing the user to attach other objects (which can even include another identical elongated body 22 m) that can be tossed together with the apparatus 20 m.

[0041]FIG. 20 illustrates an inflatable toy apparatus 20 n according to yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 20 n can be a projectile, and has a generally elongated body 22 n that can be made from a soft material that has sufficient rigidity to allow the elongated body 22 n to assume its generally elongated configuration. The material can include an elastomeric, plastic, or similar material. The elongated body 22 n is preferably not inflatable, but can be tubular in nature. For example, a wire 74 n can extend throughout the length of the elongated body 22 n to provide a spine or a certain degree of of support to the body 22 n. In addition, the tubular interior of the elongated body 22 n can be filled with granules, beans, or other similar fillings 75 n. A plurality of tails 26 n are provided in spaced-apart manner radially around the rear end 28 n of the tubular body 22 n, and the tails 26 n can be the same as the tails 26 in FIG. 1. An inflatable piece 76 n is mounted about the front end 32 n of the elongated body 22 n. As one non-limiting example, the inflatable piece 76 n can have a similar construction as the elongated body 22 k, and have a throughbore similar to throughbore 60 k through which the front end 32 n of the elongated body 22 n can be slid. Air or a liquid can be introduced through a nozzle 24 n to inflate or expand the inflatable piece 76 n. In addition, a plurality of winglets 78 n can be spaced apart about the inflatable piece 76 n. The winglets 78 n can be made of the same material as (and in one piece with) the inflatable piece 76 n, and function to further improve the aerodynamic properties of the apparatus 20 f. It is also possible to provide the winglets 78 n with a different material, such as any of the materials used for the tails 26-26 n described hereinabove.

[0042] While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An inflatable toy apparatus, comprising: an inflatable elongated body having a front end and a rear end; a nose piece provided at the front end of the elongated body, the nose piece made from a material that is different from that of the elongated body; and a plurality of tails provided at the rear end of the elongated body.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tails are made from a material that is different from that of the elongated body.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tails are made from a material that is the same as that of the elongated body.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tails are curved.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a plurality of winglets provided on the nose piece.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the tails has a tail piece provided to cover portions of the one of the tails, the tail piece being made from a material that is different from that of the the one of the tails.
 7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the tails and the elongated body are inflatable at the same time.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a gripping piece that is provided along the elongated body.
 9. An inflatable toy apparatus, comprising: an inflatable elongated body having a front end and a rear end; a nose piece provided at the front end of the elongated body, the nose piece made from a material that is different from that of the elongated body; and a tail assembly provided at the rear end and having a hollow cylindrical tube, with a plurality of tails provided about the tube.
 10. An inflatable toy apparatus, comprising: an inflatable elongated body having a front end and a rear end; a plurality of separate nose pieces provided at the front end of the elongated body, the nose pieces made from a material that is different from that of the elongated body; and a plurality of tails provided at the rear end of the elongated body.
 11. An inflatable toy apparatus, comprising: an inflatable elongated body having a front end and a rear end; a circumferential band provided on the elongated body between the front end and the rear end, the circumferential band made from a material that is different from that of the elongated body; and a plurality of tails provided at the rear end of the elongated body.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further including: a nose piece provided at the front end of the elongated body, the nose piece made from a material that is different from that of the elongated body.
 13. An inflatable toy apparatus, comprising: an inflatable elongated body having a front end and a rear end; a circumferential band provided on the elongated body between the front end and the rear end, the circumferential band made from a material that is different from that of the elongated body; and a tail assembly provided at the rear end and having a hollow cylindrical tube, with a plurality of tails provided about the tube.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the circumferential band is removable from the elongated body.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the tube is removable from the elongated body.
 16. An inflatable toy apparatus, comprising: an inflatable elongated body having an interior space, a front end and a rear end; an inflatable ring surrounding the elongated body and having an interior space that communicates with the interior space of the elongated body; and a plurality of tails provided at the rear end of the elongated body.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further including: a nose piece provided at the front end of the elongated body, the nose piece made from a material that is different from that of the elongated body.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the inflatable ring and the elongated body are inflatable at the same time.
 19. An inflatable toy apparatus, comprising: an inflatable elongated body having a front end and a rear end, the elongated body having a lumen extending therethrough; and a plurality of tails provided at the rear end of the elongated body.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, further including: a weighted piece provided at the front end of the elongated body, the weighted piece made from a material that is different from that of the elongated body.
 21. An inflatable toy apparatus, comprising: an inflatable elongated body having an outer surface, a front end and a rear end, with a fabric cover extending over portions of the fabric cover; a nose piece provided at the front end of the elongated body, the nose piece made from a material that is different from that of the elongated body; and a plurality of tails provided at the rear end of the elongated body.
 22. An inflatable toy apparatus, comprising: an inflatable elongated body having an outer surface, a front end and a rear end; at least one attachment device provided on the outer surface of the elongated body; and a plurality of tails provided at the rear end of the elongated body.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, further including: a nose piece provided at the front end of the elongated body, the nose piece made from a material that is different from that of the elongated body.
 24. An inflatable toy apparatus, comprising: an non-inflatable elongated body having a front end and a rear end; an inflatable piece provided at the front end of the elongated body, the inflatable piece made from a material that is different from that of the elongated body; and a plurality of tails provided at the rear end of the elongated body.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the elongated body has an interior that includes a wire extending therethrough.
 26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the elongated body has an interior that includes a filling material.
 27. The apparatus of claim 24, further including a plurality of winglets provided on the inflatable piece. 